Candid Moments

by Charity Shane'

Jamila Payne is creative, feisty, and unwilling to be anyone's number two.

Denim Morris is methodical, charming, and looking to build with a special woman.

A class reunion, a blizzard, and a shared unfortunate situation draws Jamila and Demin together but an undeniable attraction prevents them from pulling away.

Genres: Romance, African American Romance

110 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2025

About the author

Charity Shane’ is a USA Today Best-selling author. She holds a Bachelor degree and a Juris Doctor degree. She’s an Author, Higher Education Leader, Legal Expert., and Creative.

Writing stories that create feelings through her words is her true passion.
To date, she has published many books, traditional and indie, including a USA Today Best Seller and a number of Amazon best sellers. She has been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Woman’s World Magazine for her traditionally published book, A Novel Christmas.

Her soul sings Black romance and Black Women’s fiction.

Authorcharityshane.com

Reviews

[Annette Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s the Polar Bears’ 10 year class reunion and Jamila is not a happy camper. My girl is being drug to a podunk town in the dead of winter and forced to mix and mingle with people she doesn't know. But, she does it with a smile on her face and her trusty camera in her hand because that’s what supportive girlfriends do. Little does Jamila know, she’s about to find out she doesn’t know Corey, excuse me Cornelius, as well as she thought she did. As the Chair of the Reunion Committee, Denim knows Maddox is under a lot of stress makin’ sure everything is perfect for reunion weekend but, something has been off with her these last few months and it’s not just the reunion. When that something is accidentally revealed and it unknowingly involves Jamila, the McCook Class Reunion turns into a mini WWE smack down. Candid Moments was a cute and quick read. I fell hard for Jamila and Denim. These two were the epitome of when one door close, another one opens and they walked right through it hand in hand. That lil reveal about who Jamila’s daddy is had my mouth on the floor. 🤯🤯🤯🤯 I want her to keep that energy she got goin’ for her trash azz daddy but, I do want her to meet her brothers. We all know they would gladly welcome her into the fold.

[JazzReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book and the author is one of my favorites. I need something light to read and I am really happy I pick this book up.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these two soooooo much that I didn’t want it to end. It was this instant spark between them that had me smiling the whole time. I was shocked to find out who her brothers were and wanted her to meet them so bad. I really enjoyed this story and loved how Denim was so attentive to her and her passion.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute read.

[Jacquie · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some crazy reason I keep forgetting to write a review for this book which is ridiculous because it was so cute!

Something about a snowstorm feels very whimsical and cozy to me so I always love it! Jamila and Denim went on a very interesting little rollercoaster in the beginning - maybe a slingshot it happened so fast lol. The HS reunion scandal was a good little “pow” to push the two together and just enough for a quick read. I don’t think I’ve ever read a surprise quite like that 2-for-1 special lol. Overall the story is indeed very cozy from the trips to the store to the games and we always love a return to Crescent Falls!

Now I will leave my review with this.. Charity.. Papa Kincaid?! Do I need to do a reread of Spousal Privilege (y’all should)? That was unexpected and now I need a sibling reunion!

[Dahyana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamila x Denim

Charity will always do it for me. Betrayal unexpectedly brought Denim and Jamila together. They didn’t plan for their lives to change at their high school reunion, but heartbreak led them to where they truly belonged. The way they comforted each other, gently and honestly, was beautiful. Their bond grew slowly and naturally through shared pain, real conversations, and some good time in the bedroom. I loved how they fell for each other without pressure.

[TheTBRWhisperer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now, I said I wasn't going to do it.

However, one thing this author will make me do is have sleepless nights and early mornings...

I was working on another book but didn't want to go to sleep with that book being the last thing on my mind.

I know, old school vibes.

Anyway, I wanted to start something light and fluffy that I had a 99% feeling I would enjoy. I wanted it to be a quick 2 day read ( a little that night and finishing the next day).

There are a few authors who are on my go to list and if you know my goodreads/social pages, this author has quickly been added.

I'd been eyeing this book for my next up Charity Shane' read but had not planned on starting it in the middle of the night.

Nor did I plan on reading all 110 pages in one setting.

Granted, it was a quick read but my SSA should have been asleep...

It was WELL worth it.

Her MMC's- ALWAYS a book bae and this one was no different.

The storyline- amazing as always.

That school and mascot- McCook High Polar Bears tickled me so bad!

When it comes to a Charity Shane' book, there is not a universe I could imagine not recommending the read or it not being a five star for me. Possible, but not likely😉

Definitely recommend this quick read because it had all of the feels!

—-

I try not to make mention of other peoples thoughts because I don't want it to come off as argumentative or disrespectful.

I saw a review that mentioned the incident with another lady in line have issues with her credit card and not wanting to charge her items to the room.

FOR ME- I felt like it was added for two reasons: 1. it gives realism to the moment. Yes, our couples exists in these bubbles where they are untouched by "reality" but it is fun to be drawn deeper in delusion with them but having them experience things we see in everyday life. The random, "you wouldn't believe this shyt" type moments. 2. I've traveled before where they don't allow you to use a separate credit card and everything has to be charged to the room. I feel like this opened the door for this to be expressed without breaking their intimate moment by our FMC asking. Remember, he did not want her to pay for A THING so she was trying to sneak and do it.

Those are my thoughts about that scene in particular but I definitely respect the reader who saw it differently.

I love how reading allows us all to process the same words in different ways so I wanted to highlight that beauty in this space.

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright now Charity!! You betta write them short stories, that make me swoon! 🥰

I hated that both these characters had to endure that foul ish but look at the reward! Denim and Jamila already had chemistry brewing from the run ins that they had, but after it all went down…
Pure magic! 😍 It was easy to love them as they were fun, honest, flirty, and ready for something real. Enjoyed this! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[Ashanti Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️. Cute fast paced novella. Denim and Jamila wasted no time moving on from their exes. Corey and Maddox surely played in their face. How dare you take me to bumf**k Nebraska in the winter to do me dirty. Denim and Jamila surely got the last laugh tho. I enjoyed this. Wish there was a lil more angst but given this is a novella it makes sense. I hope to see this couple again. Maybe Jamila will finally meet her brothers.

[Rhina M. Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful 😍 !

Charity Shane has written another beautiful romantic story! This whirlwind romance will leave you all in your happy feelings! And that ending unforgettable!

[Tonya Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rated wrong story🤦🏾‍♀️. Cute 4.5✨

[NubianJoí · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rapture

Foremost, Nebraska❓, in the winter 👀🥴. NOPE 🙂‍↔️ end of this story 🤭🤷🏾‍♀️‼️Meanwhile, Jamila (Denim)…Jamila (Denim)…Jamila (Denim)🥰 🤦🏾‍♀️ hmmm 🤔 pick a poison🍋: malevolence, humiliation, duces ✌🏿, posterior pucker disrespectfully & or total postal (and I’ll just plead temporary insanity/the 5th later) ⚖️⁉️. Thereafter, Jamila & Denim each deserve these intimate “Candid Moments” & a happier ever afterwards. …sing Nita, 🎶 “caught up in the rapture of love”💕.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so sweet!!

Loved Jamila! She did take no mess. She meant she was not going to be anyone's second choice! Denim was so sweet and had no problems cutting ties with his cheating ex. They both perfect for each other. I loved this book! Such a sweet love story. My only complaint is that it wasn't long enough!!

[The Urban Fiction Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A class reunion in Nebraska. Sneaky ass people. 2 people bump into each other. A few instances that lead to some exposure. A snowstorm. No where to go. No more hotel rooms. Now 2 strangers are sharing a hotel room.

Jamila and Denim are drawn to each other. And let’s just say, this snowstorm brings 2 people together. Everything shifts and changes. The connection is built and brewing.

I enjoyed this from start to finish. It was such a cute, fun, and quick read. Who knew going to someone else’s class reunion would lead to so much more.

Stamped,
The Urban Fiction Librarian

[Taija Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charity just CANT miss!!! Loved Denim and Jamila! I also love how even though they were both hurt, they didn’t let that stop them from loving each other! Denim was so thorough and intentional about Jamila! SWOOOOON!!! This novella was way too short! Lol i need more!

[Tam Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm starting a petition to keep Charity Shané from writing these stories with less that 200 pages. These men are too perfect, the women are too deserving and the plot is too good. I need more. Denim has more to do, I can feel it.

Also... not Mr. Kincaid. 🥴

[LaDonna B · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥰🥰🥰

This was such a cute read!!! The way they came together and it was all gas’s no breaks from there. And that ending; so smitten with these two.

[Samara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute, short read! loved it!

[Selena Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about a whirlwind situation in the middle of a blizzard whew! Our two MCs Denim and Jamila literally ran right into each other, end up stuck together due to not-so-great circumstances and found love. Such a cute novella.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect novella. I need more.

[Glenda Bixler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Valentine's Day

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadershe...

[Darcy J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute and soft novella to read when you want something light. Strangers in a forced proximity situation and add in a blizzard.

[Tyedtoabook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aye man Cornelius can suck a toe!! Definitely if he wanted to he would territory. A great example of not letting your boyfriend stop you from finding your husband!🤣

[Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my sweet Charity, thank you for blessing me with Jamila and Denim! These two were taken to Nebraska, done dirty, and snowed in only to find that their encounter was a prelude to better things coming. Maddox and Corey, excuse me - Cor-ne-li-us we’re both dirty, but by the time of the revelation they became irrelevant to me because Dr. Denim took charge and took care…excellent care of Jamila. They fact they were trapped into forced proximity with just one bed allowed them to really get to know one another. Their chemistry was amazing and that man listened and supported her in a way she’d never experienced. I’m not sure if you have anything else planned for these two, but I wouldn’t be disappointed if you did!🫶🏾Happy Reading Y’all!💋

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute read with what had to be the quickest turnaround from one relationship to the next that I’ve ever read in a book. Break up on Friday and by tomorrow afternoon I’m on to somebody new😂😂😂. But you know what, I’m not mad at it🤷🏾‍♀️Denim & Jamila said “we’re reclaiming our time…what mourning period?” I liked them together though. Denim was a MAN & we love to see it.

I feel like their romance began really abruptly, but I’ll contribute that to the length of the book & needing to move the story along. I do wish the epilogue was a little bit farther out because yall still in the honeymoon phase😂. I want to see if they make it long term. But I guess they also served as a reminder of “what is time? when you know you know”

[Mia L Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candid Moments

I want to get stuck in a blizzard with Demin.

This the sweetest story. It's beautiful and heartfelt. Instalove is always a great thing.

I was too out done with their significant other's. Who invites you to a class reunion with their jump offs. Shiesty to say the least.

Since I'm a lover girl and romantic at heart, this story really resonates with. Charity always gives you sweet, sexy, and loving with a touch of drama.

It's a ten out of ten for me!!!

[L. Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This was a fun read. However, the ending was rushed. I’m not sure why most romance novels have to end this way and it really doesn’t make sense for this story. They jumped from long-term relationships to the ending in just 4 months.

There were also parts of the story that seemed to be unnecessary like the woman insisting on paying by credit card instead of charging it to her room. That added no value to the story and seems like it was just thrown in to get the word count up.

[Jacknthebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good read. I loved Jamila and Denim together. Their chemistry was felt through the pages. The circumstances that led them together were horrible. Their exes truly deserved one another. I loved how Denim didn't downplay Jamila's career. He was such a good man and exactly what Jamila needed. Now, for Jamila's ex, how you don't tell your woman of almost 2 years your real name? That part tickled me so bad. The ending was so beautiful. Of course, it left me wanting more. I feel like Jamila's mom has a story to tell because I need sis to get a backbone and learn her self-worth.

[violaqueenreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might just be one of my favorite forced proximity romances to date. It’s a novella that perfectly captures what it feels like to be in the right place at the right time—even if everything around you seems to be falling apart. It’s light but meaningful, funny but poignant, and effortlessly engaging from start to finish.

If you’re a sucker for strangers-to-something-special, unexpected chemistry, and characters that feel real, Candid Moments is a must-read. No skips, no notes. Just read it!

[Mayas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karma is a thing

Jamilla did the perfect crashout. Dude wasn't anything and that is why he disregarded her every word. I wonder is Denim money was sponsoring all their "fun." Poor baby was begging to get that money man back even after being caught.

Yeah, karma and messy are my favorite trope.